Coughs caused by the common cold or by flu usually clear up after several days, so you won't have to see your GP.
If you've had a cough for more than two weeks after a viral infection, seek medical advice from your GP.
Your GP will take your medical history, do a full clinical examination and sometimes take some tests.
Tests
Your GP may do a chest X-ray to see if you have a chest infection and, if there is an infection, to determine the extent of it.
If you have a chesty cough, a sample of your coughed-up phlegm may be taken for analysis in a laboratory, to determine which germ has caused the infection. This information can then be used to decide whether or not antibiotics should be used to treat it (see Treatment of coughs).
Spirometry may be used to see if you have an underlying respiratory condition. It involves breathing in and out of a tube connected to a machine, so that your GP can assess whether or not your airways have narrowed.
You may have allergy testing, such as a skin prick test, to see whether your cough is caused by something you're allergic to, such as house dust mites.
Referral
If your GP is unsure what's causing your cough or your cough is getting worse, they may refer you to a respiratory specialist.
